WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s intention to name Gen. James Mattis as the next Secretary of Defense:

“I am pleased that the President-elect has chosen this legendary Marine to lead the Pentagon. Gen. Mattis is one of our nation’s leading military strategists and for good reason: He understands where military strategy and foreign policy intersect. I have always appreciated his candor and honesty during his many appearances before the Armed Services Committee. I look forward to meeting with Gen. Mattis to discuss the threats facing our country, and will work to ensure that he is confirmed by the Senate.”